If you need consistent DVD mastering performance across the board, this versatile multiformat decathlete should be on top of your list.It's official: Future DVD writers will support more than just one format. Barely a few months after the debut of its first-ever DVD writer, Iomega returns with a new optical drive that promises to raise the DVD recording bar another notch. Dubbed the Super DVD Writer, the company's latest burner combines all the recordable DVD formats (DVD-R and DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM) into a single universal IDE unit. After the LG GSA-4040B, the Iomega is probably the only other writer capable of recording onto all the major DVD formats.
In terms of the total number of DVD/CD formats supported, this puts Iomega ahead of other competing drives like Sony's DRU-510 and TDK's Dual Format DVD Writer. Another part of the burner's appeal is its inherent support for DVD-RAM, a niche DVD format that's widely used by home video recorders to record High Definition Television (HDTV) programs--users of this niche format can easily transfer large data such as images and video onto a computer and other DVD/CD media.
Specs-wise, the Iomega Super Internal DVD Drive features industry standard 4x recording speed for both DVD-R and DVD+R media. Rewritable DVD media, such as DVD+RW and DVD-RW, are recorded at a pace of 2.4x and 2x, respectively, while DVD-RAM is processed at a record 3x. The drive also reads and writes CD-Rs at speeds of 32x and 24x, and CD-RWs at 32x and 16x. The drive supports single-layered (4.7GB) and dual-layered (9.4GB) RAM discs, but not cartridge-type DVD-RAMs.
Iomega ships the AU$499 drive with a healthy collection of documentation, software, and accessories. The paperwork includes a quick-start fold-up, and a troubleshooting guide. Iomega also packs an audio cable, an IDE cable, and mounting screws, as well as one blank DVD+RW disc in the box.
Iomega's software bundle is necessarily copious to handle the myriad tasks the drive performs. The easy-to-use HotBurn Pro program lets you master data DVDs and CDs and even takes care of packet writing to DVD+RW and CD-RW. For watching DVD movies, you can turn to Sonic Solutions CinePlayer, while MusicMatch Jukebox takes care of MP3 ripping and playback. We found the simplified Sonic MyDVD to be a useful tool for DVD content creation but the application may be a bit too lightweight for the advanced video-editing crowd.
Also included in the software package is DVD Solutions Wizard, Iomega's instructional program that's aimed at taking the guesswork out of selecting the right software and disc format, and guiding beginners through the intricacies of DVD mastering.
The Super DVD Writer is no more difficult to install than any internal drive; the process is daunting if you're afraid of opening your computer but otherwise straightforward. One minor gripe: The drive lacks a headphone input and volume control on its faceplate; it's hardly an issue with newer PC casings, but users with old school cases will have to do a bit of stretching to plug their cans into the rear audio ports.
Unlike the LG GSA-4040B, the Super DVD Writer is compatible with only PCs. The drive also does not support Mount Rainier, Philips' versatile packet writing technology that allows for seamless file drag-and-drop functionality.
The Iomega Super DVD Writer did a good job our Lab tests, producing a well-balanced performance over a variety of media--it took only 1 minute 30 seconds to copy over our 383MB test file onto 4x DVD+R and DVD-Rs. The unit's recording ability with rewritable media, too, was good. The Super DVD Writer clocked 3 minutes and 10 seconds for a 500MB directory burn to a 2.4x DVD+RW, closely matching that of its nearest multiformat rival, the LG GSA-4040B.
Overall, this Iomega manages to keep within speed distance of all the other current multiformat burners in the market. Just don't expect it to outperform the newer and faster drives, like Plextor's 8x DVD+R-capable PX-708A.
Should you run into any unavoidable hiccups, Iomega offers several options. The company offers a solid online library of troubleshooting documents, manuals, updated drivers, and firmware updates for the Super DVD Writer. The drive is covered by a standard one-year warranty.
Iomega Super DVD Writer EIDE
Company: Iomega
Price: AU$499
Distributor: Selected resellers
Phone: (02) 8223 9140
4%
2%
